BOF Annual Awards 2024: Continued Contribution to Orienteering Winner – Robin Strain (ELO)

The Continued Contribution to Orienteering Award recognises and celebrates the volunteer efforts of those in our sport who contribute greatly, often behind the scenes, over an extended period of time.

Robin Strain has been a pivotal figure in countless orienteering events across Scotland,
from small club events to the country’s largest summer festival, the Scottish 6 Days, and even
at several World Orienteering Championships.

For many years, Robin has overseen the SPORTident kit used throughout Scotland. Before
clubs had their own SI units, this involved significant effort coordinating the logistics of
transporting equipment smoothly between events. Even for smaller clubs organizing larger
events, this service remains indispensable and ongoing.

Beyond mere logistics, Robin has played a key role in teaching countless orienteers the art of
managing the computing and download desks, whether at club events or during his long tenure as Technology Director for the Scottish 6 Day Company. Many clubs have entrusted him with the task of “sorting out their results,” which often included managing RouteGadget, WinSplits, and saving the day when issues arose with voided or timed-out legs.

Robin was also a trailblazer in introducing live results at events - something we now take for
granted! Before clubs had the means to host these pages themselves, his website was the
go-to source for live orienteering results!

For the past ten years, Robin has overseen the computing operations for the World Ranked
Events during Sprint Scotland weekends, in addition to his other duties. Clubs across
Scotland have come to depend on him to manage the computing setup for large events, and he is well-regarded for his willingness to volunteer. Robin is known for handling the added
challenges, like receiving event details—such as course information—from planners at the last minute, with remarkable patience and rarely a complaint.

Recently, Robin was an essential part of the IT team for WOC 2024, returning to a role he
first held at WOC 2015, ensuring the SportIdent timing software was properly set up to meet the demands of an international championship. In recognition of his immense contributions, hewas awarded the Scottish Orienteering President’s Medal in 2017, and if anything, his impact on the sport has only grown since then.

Robin’s support system has always been his wife of 50 years, Sheila. She’s there by his side, ready with a cup of tea when needed and even running the download station, as she did during WOC 2024!

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Congratulations to Robin on his fantastic achievements over the years. 

Next, we conclude our spotlight series on the Club, Coach and Volunteer Awards by recognising the Silva Award Winner 2024. Check our website or social media daily for the latest updates.